MalaysianUpdates

Category: Biotechnology

  • University Malaya Formalises Research Partnership with SATEERA®, Witnessed by MOSTI Minister

    University Malaya Formalises Research Partnership with SATEERA®, Witnessed by MOSTI Minister

    Universiti Malaya (UM) has formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SATEERA® Sdn Bhd in a ceremony witnessed by Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). The agreement signals Malaysia’s continued progress in translating university-originated research into commercially applied biotechnology, reinforcing the role of academia–industry collaboration in advancing national innovation capacity.

    The technology underpinning SATEERA® was originally developed within UM’s research ecosystem more than a decade ago, progressing through laboratory refinement, patent development and industry translation before forming the foundation of the BioNexus-status biotechnology company. With this formal collaboration, both parties commit to advancing scientific validation and expanding research into selective anti-infective mechanisms, strengthening the bridge between academic research and real-world application.

    Co-Founder of REDFORES, Datuk Wira Jment Lim
    Co-Founder of SATEERA, Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu

    At the core of SATEERA®’s innovation is its Natural Smart Anti-Infective Technology, designed to selectively inhibit harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbial communities. Unlike conventional broad-spectrum antimicrobial formulations that eliminate bacteria indiscriminately, this targeted approach focuses on microbial modulation. As global research increasingly highlights concerns around antimicrobial resistance and the importance of maintaining healthy microbiomes, selective anti-infective strategies are gaining relevance within hygiene science and applied biotechnology.

    The innovation has already progressed beyond laboratory validation into commercial application through REDFORES®, SATEERA®’s intimate care brand and the first to integrate its patented technology into women’s hygiene solutions. Under the partnership, REDFORES® products will undergo further scientific evaluation with UM’s academic team, reinforcing a commitment to evidence-based development in women’s intimate health. The company’s technology has also previously undergone independent validation by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and SGS Malaysia, and SATEERA® currently holds 14 international patents across Asia.

    MOSTI, YB Chang Lih Kang
    Deputy Vice Chancellor of UM, Professor Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Dimyati

    Speaking at the ceremony, Chang Lih Kang emphasised the importance of translating research into real-world solutions, noting that innovation must move beyond the laboratory to strengthen national capability and improve quality of life in line with Malaysia’s broader biotechnology aspirations. SATEERA® co-founders Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu and Datuk Wira Jment Lim underscored the need to rethink conventional hygiene paradigms, shifting away from indiscriminate eradication models toward smarter, microbiome-conscious approaches grounded in scientific validation and long-term well-being.

    The event also included recognition by ASEAN and ASIA Records and featured an interdisciplinary panel discussion themed “Leading the Good Bacteria Era: Redefining Global Hygiene Standards.” Academics and medical specialists explored the broader implications of microbiome preservation and selective anti-infective science, particularly in the context of women’s intimate health. The collaboration is expected to expand validation studies and deepen research engagement within Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem, further positioning the country as a producer of advanced, science-driven health solutions.

  • Universiti Malaya and SATEERA® Formalise Research Partnership in Ceremony Witnessed by MOSTI Minister

    Universiti Malaya and SATEERA® Formalise Research Partnership in Ceremony Witnessed by MOSTI Minister

    Universiti Malaya has formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Malaysian biotechnology company SATEERA® Sdn Bhd, marking a significant milestone in strengthening university–industry collaboration within Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem. The agreement was witnessed by Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and reflects the nation’s continued progress in translating academic research into commercially viable, science-based solutions.

    The technology underpinning SATEERA® was originally developed within Universiti Malaya’s research environment more than a decade ago, evolving through years of laboratory research, patent development and industrial translation. Today, SATEERA® operates as a BioNexus-status biotechnology company, focusing on microbiome-safe innovation. This collaboration represents the next phase of the university–industry partnership, with both parties committed to advancing scientific validation and expanding research into selective anti-infective mechanisms.

    At the core of the collaboration is SATEERA®’s Natural Smart Anti-Infective Technology, a targeted approach designed to suppress harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes. Unlike conventional broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions that act indiscriminately, this selective strategy aligns with growing global scientific concern over antimicrobial resistance and the importance of maintaining healthy microbial ecosystems. As hygiene and biotechnology research increasingly shift towards microbiome preservation, selective anti-infective solutions are gaining relevance across multiple health applications.

    Co-Founder of SATEERA, Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu

    The innovation has progressed beyond the laboratory into real-world application through REDFORES®, SATEERA®’s intimate care brand and the first commercial product line utilising its patented technology for women’s intimate health. Under the agreement, REDFORES® will undergo further scientific evaluation in collaboration with Universiti Malaya’s academic researchers, reinforcing a shared commitment to evidence-based product development and responsible hygiene innovation.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Datuk Chang Lih Kang highlighted the importance of academia–industry partnerships in creating meaningful societal impact, noting that innovation must extend beyond research environments into practical application. He added that science-driven, targeted biotechnology solutions support national priorities under Malaysia MADANI and the National Biotechnology Policy by strengthening technological capability while improving public health and quality of life.

    Co-Founder of REDFORES, Datuk Wira Jment Lim

    SATEERA® Co-Founder Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu emphasised the need to rethink traditional hygiene paradigms, stating that indiscriminate antimicrobial approaches can disrupt microbial balance and contribute to resistance. Meanwhile, REDFORES® Co-Founder Datuk Wira Jment Lim stressed that women’s intimate health requires scientific responsibility rather than aggressive marketing claims, advocating for solutions that respect the body’s natural ecosystem.

    The ceremony also featured recognition by ASEAN and ASIA Records, followed by a panel discussion titled “Leading the Good Bacteria Era: Redefining Global Hygiene Standards.” The session brought together academics and medical specialists to discuss microbiome preservation, selective anti-infective science and its implications for women’s health. The collaboration is expected to support expanded validation studies and deeper research engagement, further positioning Malaysia as a producer of advanced biotechnology solutions.

  • SATEERA® Secures Multiple Recognitions, Cementing Its Regional Leadership in Microbiome-Safe Innovation

    SATEERA® Secures Multiple Recognitions, Cementing Its Regional Leadership in Microbiome-Safe Innovation

    SATEERA®, a Malaysian biotechnology pioneer in Smart Anti-Infective Innovation, has solidified its regional leadership with multiple recognitions for its patented natural anti-infective technology. The company was recently awarded BioNexus Status by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, together with a 10-year tax exemption, acknowledging its contribution to advancing sustainable, intelligent, and microbiome-conscious biotechnology from Malaysia to the global stage. This certification reflects SATEERA’s decade-long R&D journey and its commitment to reshaping conventional hygiene science by selectively inhibiting harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes essential for human health.

    Further affirming its regional prominence, ASIA Records recognized SATEERA as the First and Most Patented Natural Anti-Infective Formulation Preserving Beneficial Bacteria, supported by 14 international patents across Asia. This achievement underscores the company’s shift from traditional “kill-all” antibacterial approaches toward an intelligent, microbiome-safe model that protects the body’s natural defenses. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Lai Chin Wei, Senior Scientific Advisor to SATEERA, described the innovation as a revolutionary breakthrough, marking the beginning of the Good Bacteria Era by promoting selective protection rather than indiscriminate destruction of microbes.

    SATEERA and all recipients of the Asia Records at the Gather of Achievers launch.

    Dato’ Loh Shin Siong, Founder of SATEERA, emphasized that the company’s mission is to lead a fundamental shift in hygiene and biotechnology, prioritizing the preservation of beneficial bacteria while precisely targeting harmful microbes. The patented technology serves as a versatile platform, already applied in consumer solutions such as REDFORES, a next-generation intimate hygiene product that balances microbial health with effective antimicrobial support. REDFORES itself has received recognition from ASIA Records for its dual-action natural formulation, illustrating the scalability and adaptability of SATEERA’s core science across health and hygiene categories.

    Independent validation from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), University of Malaya (UM), and SGS Malaysia confirms that SATEERA’s innovation achieves strong antimicrobial performance while maintaining microbiome safety—a balance critical to long-term public health. Through its ESG-driven initiatives, including the upcycling of mangrove biomass into high-value bioactive compounds, SATEERA aligns scientific advancement with environmental sustainability, supporting Malaysia’s Bioeconomy Transformation Programme. With these multiple accolades, SATEERA continues to position Malaysia at the forefront of intelligent, microbiome-safe biotechnology, leading the Good Bacteria Era and shaping the future of health, hygiene, and wellness innovation.

  • SATEERA ® Introduces the World’s First Smart Anti-Infective Technology

    SATEERA ® Introduces the World’s First Smart Anti-Infective Technology

    SATEERA®, Malaysia’s newest biotechnology innovator, has officially launched the world’s first Smart Anti-Infective Technology, marking a significant breakthrough in microbiome-safe hygiene. Unlike conventional disinfectants that eliminate all bacteria indiscriminately, SATEERA®’s technology selectively targets harmful microbes while preserving beneficial bacteria, supporting long-term immunity, maintaining skin balance, and protecting overall microbial health. The innovation has been scientifically validated by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and SGS Malaysia, confirming its selective-kill capability and microbiome-safe profile. UTM’s independent testing demonstrated strong antibacterial and antifungal inhibition without harming beneficial microorganisms, while SGS Malaysia confirmed up to >99.99% elimination of harmful germs within five minutes, using a natural formulation free from alcohol and harsh chemicals.

    The technology is backed by over a decade of research and development, safeguarded by 14 international patents spanning Malaysia, China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Prof. Dr. Hesham Ali El Enshasy of UTM highlighted the dual capability of SATEERA®, which combines strong inhibition against harmful microbes with protection for beneficial bacteria — a first in the hygiene and biotechnology sector. Dato’ Loh Shin Siong, Founder of SATEERA®, emphasized that this selective approach represents a smarter path forward for public health, moving beyond the traditional “kill-all” mentality.

    The launch also coincides with SATEERA® achieving BioNexus Status from the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, granting the company a 10-year tax exemption and national biotechnology certification. As the most-patented anti-infective formulation in the region, SATEERA® is positioned to pioneer a new era of intelligent hygiene solutions that harmonize antimicrobial effectiveness with microbiome safety, highlighting Malaysia’s growing role in advanced biotechnological innovation.

    For more information, visit www.sateera.com or follow SATEERA® on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.

  • Yikon Genomics Brings State-of-the-Art Genetic Testing to Malaysia with New Kuala Lumpur Facility

    Yikon Genomics Brings State-of-the-Art Genetic Testing to Malaysia with New Kuala Lumpur Facility

    Yikon Genomics, a global leader in precision genetics, has officially expanded into Malaysia with the launch of its state-of-the-art genetic testing laboratory in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in the company’s Asia Pacific growth strategy. The new facility underscores Yikon’s commitment to making advanced genetic testing and preventive healthcare accessible, affordable, and transformative across the region. At the launch event, Dr. Sijia Lu, CEO and Founder of Yikon Genomics, reflected on the company’s journey from pioneering reproductive genetics to advancing preventive medicine, hereditary cancer screening, and population health initiatives. “We started with reproductive genetics because life begins at its most delicate stage, the embryo,” Dr. Lu said, highlighting how Yikon’s technology detects even the smallest genetic variations with precision, now applied to lifelong wellness and preventive care.

    The Kuala Lumpur laboratory serves as a multifunctional regional hub, supporting scientific excellence, workforce development, and clinical collaboration. Dr. David Wong, Lab Manager of Yikon Genomics Malaysia, emphasized that the facility, equipped with advanced multi-platform sequencing and a dedicated expert team, will empower local partners to build capabilities and accelerate scientific and clinical progress throughout Asia Pacific. Guests at the launch experienced an immersive tour of the laboratory, observing operational workflows from sample processing and sequencing to data analysis, highlighting Yikon’s rigorous quality control and transparent approach to clinical collaboration. Central to Yikon’s innovation is its proprietary MALBAC (Multiple Annealing and Loop-Based Amplification Cycles) technology, which enables the detection of ultra-small quantities of genetic material and powers applications ranging from embryo testing to hereditary disease screening and oncology diagnostics.

    Invited guests were given a tour of the new KL lab.

    By integrating MALBAC into a comprehensive reproductive genetics ecosystem, Yikon ensures accurate, reliable, and personalized results, enabling families to make informed healthcare decisions while advancing fertility and genomics standards across the region. Dr. Lu also emphasized the laboratory’s role as a regional hub for collaboration, supporting fertility centers, local laboratories, and preventive healthcare initiatives. The new Kuala Lumpur facility will serve as both a service and reference center for Asia Pacific, fostering partnerships with hospitals, research institutions, and clinical centers to accelerate the adoption of precision medicine and preventive healthcare solutions. Concluding the event, Dr. Lu expressed optimism about Malaysia’s growing focus on genomics and preventive healthcare, stating, “Healthcare of the future depends on prevention, not just treatment. With our Malaysian lab, we are one step closer to enabling healthier families, stronger communities, and a sustainable healthcare system for generations to come.”

    Yikon lab scientist, Low Shin Yi demonstrated how the sequencing system operates.